ma_en_tot
"My reputation's never been worse, so you must like me for me."
Sammi Reyes is the Department of Health's "Ice Queen", meticulous, strictly by-the-book, and guarded. Dr. Richie Valdemar is the DOH's "Golden Boy", wealthy, arrogant, and her fierce rival for the ultimate promotion. For years, their relationship has been strictly toxic, defined by sharp-tongued bickering and departmental warfare.
But when a high-profile scandal hits the office, they are thrown into a forced-proximity, two-week joint audit in a remote province. Far from the prying eyes of Manila, hidden in rain-soaked car rides and dark dive bars, the lines between enemies and partners begin to blur.
What starts as a fragile truce sparks into a secret, electric connection. But back in the office, their hidden romance is a ticking time bomb. With jealous ex-crushes, vindictive bosses, and a massive corruption web threatening to bury them, they must decide if they are willing to let their careers burn for a love that is too delicate to survive the light of day.
When your reputation is completely ruined, who do you trust?
**Disclaimer**
This story is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, or events portrayed are products of the author's imagination and are not based on real persons, living or dead. Any resemblance to actual individuals, organizations, or events is purely coincidental.
The ideas and narratives presented are inspired by the author's creative reflections, including imagined scenarios related to the workplace, and should not be interpreted as factual accounts.
The author is not a professional writer and shares this piece purely for creative expression. Please do not expect the author's work to be as grammatically correct and coherent as possible.
Thank you and Enjoy!